Historic Honor For NASW
Dr Joseph Salvatore, an orthopedic surgeon/veteran of the army who grew up in Wildwood, remembers watching the planes of World War II flying overhead as a little boy. It had a great impact on him, bolstering the connection he felt to NAS, the naval aviation training facility where his brother worked, at the site of the current Cape May County Airport… a facility with a story that, thanks to Joe and his wife Annie, is being told.

NAS was decommissioned in 1946, and many of its buildings were sold and moved elsewhere. In 1997, when the remainder were slated for demolition, Joe and Annie stepped in. It didn’t matter that Hangar Number One, the largest NAS structure, now housed bird droppings six inches deep, or that the hole in its roof spanned 100-by-150-feet — the couple purchased the space from the county for $1. “This place is a big part of Cape May County history,” Joe told us. “There were 129 crashes here; 42 men died. We felt honored to be able to tell that story.”

With $3.4 million in grant money raised, Hangar Number One was successfully transformed into the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum, or NASW, which was eventually listed on the New Jersey State And National Registers of Historic Places. Last week, the Salvatores’ — who also founded Historic Cold Spring Village — experienced another milestone moment: the recognition and celebration of a NASW Historic District where various aircraft, engines and special exhibits are on display. The most special to Joe? “My favorite pieces are the torpedo bombers, or TBMs,” he said. “This is the type that was flown at that hangar during World War II. They were made in New Jersey — 7,500 of them in Trenton alone — and they were made mostly by women. It’s also the type of airplane that President George Bush, Sr was shot down in during World War II. It’s got a lot of meaning to us.”

The recognition of the historic district comes at an interesting time, when one might say there’s an entrepreneurial district blossoming at the airport simultaneously. We are referring to Cape May Roasters, the little bean company brought to you by the people behind the Washington Inn, Lucky Bones, and Love the Cook that’s taken up residence here. Head roaster Doug Marandino who, along with wife Andi, owns the Cape May Honey Farm store on Sunset Boulevard, spends about 30 hours a week in the busy season grinding Hawaiian, Mexican, Kenyan, Tanzanian, Ethiopian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Columbian beans, because the difference between fresh-ground and, well, not? “Night and day,” he told us.

Then there’s Cape May Brewing Company, whose production has increased so much they’ve recently added a new storage facility, at the Tomwar building on Breakwater Road. And in their tap room, the number of taps has been increased from 12 to 24, according to Marketing and Media Manager Maggie Clark, so that more beers can be featured at one time. Equally new and exciting? Be on the lookout for brews — one keg at a time, so get there quickly — infused with spices and fruit on Wednesdays. Up next: Peppermint chocolate stout.

“It really energizes us to see the airport coming to life like this,” Joe said. But don’t take his word for it… check it out for yourself.

Talkin’ Bout The Parade
“Overall, people are raving,” said West Cape May Mayor Pam Kaithern about last weekend’s West Cape May Christmas Parade. “The best parade yet, that’s what we’re hearing. What it comes down to — this is a hometown event. It’s not made up to be something it’s not. This is a tradition people hold on to, and it’s something that hasn’t changed a lot over the years.” Except that it’s gotten bigger, Pam told us, adding that West Cape May is now having to turn down bands who’d like to participate.

As for those pesky gaps in the lineup? “There’s not much we can do about those, though we’ll work on inventive ways to reduce them,” Pam said. “But any time you have people performing, you’re going to have gaps.” Bottom line: more time to sip your hot cocoa and enjoy what many are calling one of the best nights of the year in Cape May. Congratulations to all who pulled this one off!

Where To Bring Your Canned Goods
East Lynne Theater Company is accepting nonperishable items for the Cape May Food Closet. What is needed are cans of fruit, paper towels, and toilet paper. Any canned food items will be accepted, as long as they are not expired. Bring an item to the December 13 performance of ELTC’s Christmas with Harte and O. Henry and save $3 off your admission price. Attend the December 14 matinee, and part of your admission money will benefit Cape Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.
Bring canned and non-perishable goods to Cape May Brewing Company for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, and you’ll get $2 off your growler fill. They’ll also discount your first tasting.

Now through December 17, bring non-perishable food items to the Cape May Fire Department, or the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, to benefit the Cape May Food Closet.

Hospitality Nights
On 12/12 and 12/13, stop by the Washington Street Mall for some relaxed retail therapy… such a better experience than braving one of those faceless mega-malls. Plus, there will be plenty of treats! Visit washingtonstreetmall.com.

40th Candlelight House Tour
On 12/14, this self-guided tour, the main attraction of Cape May’s holiday season, features homes, inns, hotels, and churches decorated for the holidays, plus caroling, and strolling musicians. Hospitality centers offer warm beverages and traditional treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, and the Carriage House Gallery. Continuous shuttle servie is offered on heated trolleys. Lasts from 5:30-8:30pm. Adults are $25, children are $20 (ages 3-12). Visit capemaymac.org.

Holiday Basketball Tournament
On 12/7, 12/8, and 12/9, a holiday basketball tournament for kids aged three to eight will take place at Lower Township’s Recreation Center and the Richeard Teitelman School. Sponsorship for the Greater Cape May Elks/Tom Beheler Basketball Tournament is available by contacting Mitch at Lower Township Recreation Center by email recreation@townshipoflower.org. The event is held in honor of Tom Beheler who succumbed to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Proceeds go to ALS, Hope of Cape May County and Lower Township Recreation Department’s Traveling Basketball Teams.

Guitar Concert by the Mayes Duo
On 12/18, Access to Art, Inc. will celebrate the Christmas season with a concert from the Mayes Duo at the beautifully decorated 1860 pre-civil war Southern Mansion (720 Washington Street) at 7pm. Music performed by Joseph and Kathleen Mayes will be anonymous lute duets and a three movement work by Ronn McFarlane called “On the Heath,” which harkens back to his Scottish roots. (McFarlane is a member of the Baltimore Consort — see below). There will also be some seasonal music. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors. You may purchase them at the door from 6pm on the day of, or call to reserve at 609-465-3963.

Music For The Yuletide Season With The Baltimore Consort
On 12/19, Access to Art will present the famed Baltimore Concsort with “Wassail, Wassail! Music for the Yuletide Season,” old carols and dance tunes from the British Isles, France, Spain, and Appalachia at 7pm at Willow Creek Winery (628 Stevens Street). The BC, founded in 1980 to perform the instrumental music of Shakespeare’s time, performs across the world. On this night, an evening of mulled wine, and selected wines from the vinyeard will be available to those who wish to purchase them to accompany the concert. Tickets for the concert are $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors. Send checks to Access to Art, Inc, 417 E Pacific Avenue, CMCH, NJ, 08210. Call 609-465-3963 to reserve. Tickets available at the door beginning at 6pm the night of.

Kiwanis Trivia Night
On 12/19, show ‘em what you got at the Kiwanis Club House, 1041 Beach Ave. Cape May. $5. donation at the door. Snacks will be available.

40th Candlelight House Tour
On 12/28, this self-guided tour, the main attraction of Cape May’s holiday season, features homes, inns, hotels, and churches decorated for the holidays, plus caroling, and strolling musicians. Hospitality centers offer warm beverages and traditional treats. Includes admission to the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, and the Carriage House Gallery. Continuous shuttle servie is offered on heated trolleys. Lasts from 5:30-8:30pm. Adults are $25, children are $20 (ages 3-12). Visit capemaymac.org.

Bird Seed Sale
On 1/4 and 1/5, stock up on your bird seed at the Nature Center of Cape May. Maintaining bird feeders is a great way to benefit birds during the cold winter months, when wild food is scarce. Don’t miss these great opportunities to stock up on birdseed for the winter AND support the Nature Center of Cape May. Special discounts are available the first weekend of each month, so plan your seed shopping accordingly.

Sports Talk With Celebrities
On 1/18, you’ll want to attend this open forum at Convention Hall where fans can connect with some of the area’s most recognized members in sports media. 2-4:30pm. Contact 609-884-9565.

WEEKLY EVENTS

THEATER
Playing Now At Cape May Stage: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol: Through December 29. Performed at The Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
Santaland Diaries: Through December 29. Performed at Congress Hall.
Call 609-770-8311.

Playing Now At East Lynne Theater
Christmas With Harte and O. Henry: Through December 14. Call 609-884-5898.
Open roller skating is offered on Fridays from 4pm to 6pm and from 7pm to 9pm, on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 3pm and from 4pm to 6pm.

ROLLER SKATING (at Convention Hall)
Adult Skate: Open to those 18 and older. Held on Tuesdays, starting January 7, from 7pm to 9pm.
Toddler Skate: Held every Friday morning, starting on January 3 from 9:30am to 11:30am.
Open Skate: Over Christmas break, roll in from 1pm to 3pm on Monday, December 23, Thursday December 26, and Monday, December 30.

Cape May Convention Hall will be closed for roller skating on Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Admission fee is $5 per person. Skate rental is $2 for traditional skates and $4 for in-line skates. Admission for non-skaters is $2.